How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
The woman was a warped log thick in the waves. Her powerful arms seemed to blot out the sun and were unhampered by her bulky apparel. The deranged woman's layers of clothing floated on the water like the tormented petals from some strange flower.
She grabbed Abby by the shoulders and held her under the vise of her grip. (18.13-14)
This book doesn't spend a whole lot of time describing what people look like. We get the occasional description of a special dress, but beyond that, people's looks largely go un-discussed. Except when it comes to Trembling Sally. And suffice to say, these descriptions are never favorable.
Quote #5
Abby watched Strong working daily in the field, and in the evening he chopped wood for the fireplace and spent the dark evenings gazing into the mystery of the flames—no flame was ever the same. Soon she knew he would rebuild his barbershop. But it would not be the same. Just as each flame that flickered changed, he had changed. Life would be different. A kaleidoscope of ever changing patterns. (18.37)
Strong has finally come home after losing his mind and taking the first bus out of town years ago. But just because he seems well, doesn't mean he's the same person he once was—whatever broke inside him when the tornado ripped through town may have healed, but madness has still marked him.
Quote #6
"Wonder if she's through fooling with Abby?"
"Hard to tell. The woman has a scar on her. Left by the tornado. Imagine she thinks Abby's the cause." (19.13-14)
The women of Ponca City are gathered around, talking about Trembling Sally trying to kill some of the Lightsey kids by giving them pretty and super poisonous tea. She's devious, for sure, and quite the planner. Her madness is described as a "scar," here—a permanent mark.